Its a 2007 GLX-R in the best colour, Cyber Blue. Its a V6 auto and we bought it second hand at 2 and and a half years old with just 32k on the clock. It was in pretty good nick, and was almost stock except for a Mitsi wrap around alloy nudge bar, factory ladder and roof racks, soft tarp and a pair of pi$$ ant spotties.
This is it the first week
We bought it to do some long distance touring on the mainland (I am a Qlder and spent the last 20 years camping on Fraser Island, Moreton and tackling LCMP) so it was about time I built a ‘tourer’ and saw this big brown land. With a limited budget I had to source everything at the best prices and being a tight ar$e I wanted to fit as much as I could here at home.
The first things to be done were some all terrain tyres, went for the Cooper ATR in 255/70/16 which is exactly 15mm larger so keeps them legal. Then some decent lights, went for the Lightforce 240’s as I have had them before and were really impressed with their output for $$.
Next was some decent reversing lights. Found these ones on ebay for next to nothing. Fitted like a factory set so was happy with them. They have been on for a year now and no problems
The struts were buggered and I wasn’t sure about suspension just yet so I opted to fit Pedders struts and rear shocks as an interim measure until I had decided on a front bar/winch and other bits and pieces that would factor in which suspension I would ultimately get (forgive the pun – read on).
The UHF went in next. Its a Uniden remote face job. The brains are fitted in the front passenger kick panel with the face mounted originally in the centre console under the ashtray but I have recently moved it to the passenger side of the centre console. The nudge bar doesn’t have anywhere for the aerial so I fabbed up a small bracket and bolted it to the bar.
Next was the canopy. I did lots of research and priced them here in Hobart. Everything from ARB to TJM, Razorback etc but settled on the SJS canopy. About a grand cheaper than everyone else and had it freighted to Hobart from Melbourne. 12 months on and its great, no problems so far
Next was the dual batteries. I got a Piranha tray that fits where the original battery was. It moved the original battery forward a couple of inches which allows the second one to sit behind it. I fitted a Redarc isolator on the firewall behind the second battery. The only down side is that I had to remove the cruise control module, but a small sacrifice.
The 50 litre Waeco lives in the back on a Waeco slide and works a treat. No more ice and soggy stuff floating around
Next I think was the long range tank. Its a Brown Davis one, 140litres and fits like a finger in a bu...you know what I mean. I fitted this one with the help of a mate at home as its pretty heavy and cumbersome to lift alone.
I also fitted a 1200w inverter to be able to charge cameras, laptops etc and run my daughters DVD player while away. It fits neatly under the front passenger seat and runs directly from the second battery. I had to refit the seat, the spud peeler noticed it gone at the first corner
This is where the build got to when we headed off for a 4 week trip to the Flinders Ranges. Everything went really well, nothing failed or let us down so I was happy with the progress of the build. Of course, it highlighted what needed doing next .
Once we got back I got the snorkel sorted. Its a Safari one for the diesel but fits the petrol without any issues. Fitted this myself in the driveway at home. I made sure I had the right tools and bought the hole saws etc which made the job easy as
The air filter was done at the same time. Opted for the K&N one and threw the factory one behind the back seat in case its needed (hasn’t been yet)
Then there was the Ironman side steps. Chucked the cheap alloy ones under the house. These ones are bloody heavy and well made. And bolt directly to the chassis
I also fitted two engine watchdog electronic temp gauges. One for the engine and one for the auto box as they don’t like the heat. They fitted really easy and now I can see exactly what temp they are running at, peace of mind really
I bought a 5w LED strip light off ebay for about $8 and sickaflexed it to the upper tailgate door. Theres a switch just inside the canopy and it throws heaps of light. This is something we discovered we needed from the SA trip. Its great for cooking or looking for something at night
More recently I got myself a set of baysies bash plates. These ones are galvanised and bloody heavy/strong compared to the shite factory ones. This was more of an insurance policy than anything against that random hit which can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Also picked up a set of newtriton.net stickers....the mrs hates them but she will get over it
and finally, this morning I started on the roof top storage. I have gone with the Rhino HD track system rated at 100kg. I fitted the track system this afternoon, its easy to do. Just remove the piping in the roof channel and rivet the track down. Its a custom bent track to suit the contour of the roof. Next is to bolt the feet down and then fit the HD cross bars....
I have ordered the shovel holder and hi lift holder. Also need to sort out an alloy basket and side awning. I think thats about it so far. Lots more to come when the credit card recovers
Next month it gets a 2 inch suspension lift, alloy front bull bar with winch and a steel rear bar from Mr Ultimate. When the ATR's get low I will probably go up to a 265/75/16 in a STT or something like that.
God knows where this will end and of course I blame this site for my addiction
Hope you enjoy the pics
And of course it is all the site's fault that you are addicted.. I know where you are coming from with that one!
I will probably get flamed but I like the V6 and the money I would have spent upgrading will pay for my addiction over the next 12 months 
